Fighter / Paladin Multiclass - does it work like i think?

[Nandrith]

Hi there!

Our Pathfinder group is pretty new, and we are just at the progression to level 2.
Im playing a Dwarf Fighter as a Tank and im planning to go Stalwart Defender as soon as i get BAB +7.

Now im not sure if i should just go
Fighter (7) -> Stalwart Defender
or
Fighter (1) -> Paladin (1) -> Fighter (6) -> Stalwart Defender

As far as i see, i would give up +0/+1 BAB, Armor Training 2 and one favoured class bonus on the long run, but get some nice saves by the paladin lvl 1 and some powers (which i would barely use due to my 8 cha).

Does it really work that way? In my opinion those extra saves are far better than that little armor training i would get at fighter lvl 7.

Btw, this is NOT about how optimized this build will be. Just asking if it works this way, or if i did not understand the multiclassing rules right.

Greetins,
Nandrith

[Chaotic Fighter]

Paladins and Fighters both have full BAB so you would just add them together. Look at it this way, the fighters first level is a +1 and the Paladins first level is +1. So put them together and you get +2. Combining two full BAB classes means you still have full bab.

[Chaotic Fighter]

And as a Dwarf armor training 2 doesn't really mean jack to you.

[Nandrith]

So, i would have +7/+2 at level 7 anyway? Ok, thats even one more point that favors Paladin (1) for me.

[Aravar Eveningfall]

Not sure if it's worth it with 8 charisma, you might want to look up the stonelord archetype. But yes, that is how multiclassing works.

[Nandrith]

Thanks, ill look into that. Multiclassing seems pretty powerful to me then (at least as long as you keep an eye on either BAB or respective Caster Levels).

[Chaotic Fighter]

Quite frankly I think one of the fighter's real powers is it's ability to multiclass functionally because of it's high feat number and it's multiple archetypes that mesh well with other classes.

[ShadowcatX]

Yeah, paladin is a pretty good dip. You'll be trading what, 1 point of possible AC for 2 points of will saving throw, 2 points of fortitude saving throw, smite evil 1/day, detect evil 1/day and wand use as a paladin. Not bad at all.

On a side note, I wouldn't take the stonelord archetype. Smite evil, even with a negative charisma and only one level of paladin still allows your attacks to bypass any form of damage resistance once per day. That said, divine hunter would allow you effectively free precise shot feat which while it probably won't be a huge deal, is better than nothing since you already have the heavy armor proficiency.

[BzAli]

Nandrith wrote:

Thanks, ill look into that. Multiclassing seems pretty powerful to me then (at least as long as you keep an eye on either BAB or respective Caster Levels).

Caster levels don't stack. If you're a 1st level wizard, 1st level sorcerer and a 1st level witch, you'll be casting lots of level 1 spells, but no level 2 spells.

Saves stack. BAB stack. HP stack. Class specific abilities do not stack (apart from very few rare cases, which are noted in the description).

[Nandrith]

BzAli wrote:

Caster levels don't stack. If you're a 1st level wizard, 1st level sorcerer and a 1st level witch, you'll be casting lots of level 1 spells, but no level 2 spells.

Arent there some classes that count for caster levels of another class? Or is this only for prestige classes?

[EWHM]

If you're going to dip paladin, I suggest 2 levels. The divine grace ability is exceptionally sweet.

[houser2112]

EWHM wrote:

If you're going to dip paladin, I suggest 2 levels. The divine grace ability is exceptionally sweet.

With an 8 Charisma, Divine Grace is useless at best, requiring a +4 enhancement to be useful. I'm not sure if a Charisma penalty would apply, which would make it worse than useless.

[Reecy]

Caster Level Stacks only if the class grants the ability +1 Caster Level

Example Arcane Archer and Arcane Trickster

[Imbicatus]

Actually, since this character is going to go Stalwart Defender anyway, unless the op really needs the bonus fighter feats for his build plan, going Fighter 1>Stonelord Paladin 6> Stalwart Defender is a really good idea. That will give him DR 3, natural armor +2, Defensive Stance early, and his Paladin Levels stack with SD levels for Defensive Stance powers and Rounds available.

[Sir Thugsalot]

ShadowcatX wrote:

Yeah, paladin is a pretty good dip.

Well, maybe it is...what are this dwarf's stats? Is his charisma garbage? (IMO you either take two or more levels of paladin or no levels.)

Stalwart Defender requires Endurance (which rangers get at 3rd), so why not Ranger3/figh4? If you think you'll be shield-and-waraxe most of the time, take Weapon and Shield Style at rang2, and be the Weapon Master fighter archetype. Ranger will also give you a crapton of useful skills.